A controversial one-way road scheme in Liverpool 8 is not yet expected to be permanently adopted after a community backlash against the plans.
Representatives and activists around Kingsley Road expressed their concern last month at the permanent adoption of a proposed new road layout following an almost year- long trial. During a meeting of Liverpool Council’s highways and public spaces representations committee, Cllr Lucille Harvey told members “public trust had been damaged” over how the authority had handled the scheme.
Now, following a site visit by committee members, it has been recommended the existing trial continues to allow for further engagement with Kingsley Road residents and a permanent solution can be worked out. Officers and councillors visited the scheme last week to assess its viability.
READ MORE: Three arrested after police walk in on armed robbery
A recommendation had been made to the committee to permanently adopt a road layout and 20mph system following an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) being in place. A decision had been expected in February but was deferred following a public outcry about community engagement.
After months of waiting and a contractor going bust, work on the road was finally completed which included the installation of a cycle lane to provide a north-south link across the city.
Studies of speed along the route conducted by Liverpool Council during an ETRO period have found the average speed has dropped well below the original 30mph limit. In addition, the road was also converted to operate in one direction in what a council report said would “create space to enhance cycling provision and address parking needs.”
The ETRO has been in place for more than two years and during that period, six months were dedicated to a consultation period, concluding in June last year. A report ahead of a meeting to determine the scheme’s future next week said to maintain a two-way carriageway, a minimum width of 14m would be required.
It added: “As the carriageway width in Kingsley Road is mostly less than 11 metres, it is physically impossible to achieve these hence, the reason it is proposed to introduce one-way working.” Concerns were raised last month about the loss of a bus stop and impact on commuters.
The report said: “Merseytravel responded to the consultation and raised no objections to the scheme. Understandably, Merseytravel’s preferred position is to have the bus service operating in both directions.
“However, if the proposal went ahead, they would prefer a north bound one-way.” A final decision must be made before the existing order runs out in June.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT
Life will never be the same after man was crushed by a horse in a freak car accident
No post for whole street because Royal Mail don't think it's safe
Teens on electric bikes attack man with batons
11 things we learnt at an explosive Liverpool Council budget meeting
Brookside's Corkhills where are they now? From West End to Benidorm
